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St Thomas in January - Do we need a rental car?

jmmoultn

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We are doing two weeks at Frenchmens Reef in Saint Thomas in January. It will be our first time there in a long time, and we will be there with our kids, so there will be 6 of us. Do we need a car or can we get a minivan cab to most things? We will likely go for grocery, dinners, and a day trip to St. John. Thanks in advance for any advice1

Jon
 

jmmoultn

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I just saw the prior post, are there minivan cabs and if so, are they easy to get? How is Frenchmen's for getting to restaurants and other places, off resort. Thanks!
 

Fasttr

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I just saw the prior post, are there minivan cabs and if so, are they easy to get? How is Frenchmen's for getting to restaurants and other places, off resort. Thanks!
You wrote both posts. Are you asking yourself a question?
 

BJRSanDiego

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We are doing two weeks at Frenchmens Reef in Saint Thomas in January. It will be our first time there in a long time, and we will be there with our kids, so there will be 6 of us. Do we need a car or can we get a minivan cab to most things? We will likely go for grocery, dinners, and a day trip to St. John. Thanks in advance for any advice1

Jon
I think that you mean Frenchman's Cove rather than the reef. The reef has been closed for a while doing repairs and remodeling.

Here is their website and they are shooting for reopening in late summer 2022. https://www.frenchmansreefstthomas.com/
 
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mogens.h1951

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I did stay there before COVID-19. Did not need a car.
A boat service from the resort to Charlotte Amalie and plenty of tours available including boat trip to St. John.
I also did a Seaborne Air trip to St. Croix.
Also be aware that driving in the left side of the road at USVI.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
 

jmmoultn

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You wrote both posts. Are you asking yourself a question?
You wrote both posts. Are you asking yourself a question?

No, I just saw that there was a recent post on this board on the issue, and wanted to avoid the "search" is your friend. My particular questions were whether there were van-style cabs (large enough for 6 and a driver), and if there is enough transportation at the resort to get to restaurants, boat trips, etc. It has been 20+ years since we were in St. Thomas, before a large hurricane, etc. so all recent information is useful. Thanks, if you have any useful information.
 

mdurette

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I don't know if they have cars that fix 6, but when I was there a couple of years ago the cabs charged per person.......if you plan to go off site alot, I would think that would really add up.
 

Fasttr

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Paumavista

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We had 7 of us (3 were babies) - we rented a van & found it to be a GREAT investment for the week. We could come and go as we pleased. We didn't have to wait on anyone and it didn't feel like we were being "nickled and dimed" every time we wanted to go somewhere. We liked the flexibility of visiting and stopping at different beaches for as long as we wanted (and with 3 babies we needed flexibility). I don't think there is any thing within walking distance of the resort (I personally would NOT walk on the road outside the resort!) Yes you can take the little boat in to town but you also pay per person and you are on their schedule. It wasn't how we enjoy traveling....so you need to be your own judge.....my recommendation would be to rent a van.
 

turkel

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We rented a car for 4. No regrets and wouldn’t go if we couldn’t get a car. But my DH is a rockstar behind the wheel. They drive on the left and have some pretty steep hills in places. If that makes you uncomfortable don’t do it.
 

GrayFal

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You wrote both posts. Are you asking yourself a question?


No, I just saw that there was a recent post on this board on the issue, and wanted to avoid the "search" is your friend. My particular questions were whether there were van-style cabs (large enough for 6 and a driver), and if there is enough transportation at the resort to get to restaurants, boat trips, etc. It has been 20+ years since we were in St. Thomas, before a large hurricane, etc. so all recent information is useful. Thanks, if you have any useful information.
Yes, there are ample vans that will fit your family of 6. I was there last week. If you find a driver you like they are more than happy to give you their card and you can set up your trips with the same person.

We just had a great casual meal at Lanai which is nearby at Limetree Beach Resort and very kid friendly. Mimi’s Seaside Bistro is also good. Make reservations at all restaurants to avoid disappointment. I am on St John this week and I keep seeing people being turned away at restaurants without resies.

The resort will arrange a shopping delivery from Moes Market but there is a delivery fee plus huge convenience fee. Suggest one of the adults head to the market via taxi the day after you arrive.

Bring your own blow up floats for relaxing in the bay and pool.

Have fun!
 

jmmoultn

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Thanks, Pat, great advice. Looking forward to checking out the restaurants. Btw, did you make the reservations way out (before you left, like a couple weeks?). Did you get a local cell phone or did your US mobile service work OK? Thanks again!
 

TheTimeTraveler

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We are doing two weeks at Frenchmens Reef in Saint Thomas in January. It will be our first time there in a long time, and we will be there with our kids, so there will be 6 of us. Do we need a car or can we get a minivan cab to most things? We will likely go for grocery, dinners, and a day trip to St. John. Thanks in advance for any advice1

Jon


Maybe the question should be "Can I even find a rental car these days"?

That's a good question.




.
 

jmmoultn

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I answered that one, I can. As Jerry Seinfeld noted, the important part may be "holding" the reservation...
 

jimf41

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When we go in February almost all of the folks at MFC rent cars. As TURKEL mentioned it's a little tricky driving there as they drive on the left side of the road. The cars are not designed for that as they are in the UK with the steering wheel on the right side. It's on the left as all the cars come from the US. This takes a little getting used to and if your driving skills are not that great it can be a problem. The roads are well paved generally but they are narrow and very windy in some places. The locals obey most of the normal traffic laws but they tend to view speed limits and passing over a double yellow as suggestions rather than actual restrictions.

As far as convenience and cost it's a no brainer, it's better to rent IMO. If you do decide to rent make sure you check to see if the rental agency allows the car to go to St John on the ferry. Avis and Budget do but Hertz doesn't. If you rent at the airport when you return drop your passengers off at the terminal and go to the return area to drop the car. It's about 50 yards to where you dropped your passengers and baggage. I recommend having a porter take your bags and get you thru checkin, you don't wait in line and he handles all the baggage.

Have a good trip and make sure you have at least one dinner at Oceana. You won't regret it.

I forgot to add that they do have full size vans and mini vans. We usually get them to accommodate guests and family we invite.
 
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